The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has pledged to establish a ministry dedicated to the youth if elected President.

According to him, the ministry would focus on youth initiatives in Ghana to boost job creation and support entrepreneurship.

Speaking at the NDC manifesto launch on August 12, he said, “to promote entrepreneurship and to provide scholarships and advanced youth participation in decision making, while ensuring the effective implementation of the National Youth Authority act.”

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Mr Mahama acknowledged that current educational programmes often fall short in meeting job market demands.

“Only about 10% of our young people receive formal skills training and thereby hampering their employability and their economic prospects. This current situation is detrimental to innovation and economic growth, and particularly affecting artisans and craftsmen who need access to modern tools and training.”

To address these issues, Mr Mahama stated that the next NDC government plans to collaborate with religious groups and non-governmental organizations to invest in various skills development programmes. This effort aims to improve economic opportunities for young people.

He proposed a National Apprenticeship Programme and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres which will offer skill enhancement for those could not go to tertiary education.

In addition, the flagbearer stated that there is political bias and nepotism in Ghana’s security and public sectors which undermines trust and creates disillusionment among the youth.

“Under my leadership, recruitment will be decentralised to ensure equitable representation of our citizenry within the security agencies and our public services. According to a 2023 study by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), 55% of young professionals in these fields reported delayed postings or recruitment bottlenecks due to favouritism and political interference.”